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Installing the Anthem/How it should sound after

Hi there,

Proud new user of the Anthem (non-SL) here, and I have two questions.

First of all, when the gents at my local music store installed it for me they said they had to take out the bridge of my guitar in order to do it properly. When I got it back the action was different and I noticed they also slipped a spacer in under the nut. So, now my instrument feels different and tends to go a little flat when I play a high chord. I have a feeling when I call them to ask they'll say it was necessary to do these things in order to install it so I wanted to get some advice here on what to say to that, if anything. It should be said that they are a licensed installer of L.R. Baggs gear (Long & McQuade of Toronto).

Secondly, while I dig the overall sound that the Anthem produces I find it really quite hypersensitive in the treble department. For instance, every tiny little touch of the strings registers a pretty audible sound and when I strum it's nearly abrasive. For example, when I let go of the strings to change chords I can hear the release in the form of a little 'wromp' as the vibration stops. Perhaps the Anthem is just really unforgiving and I need to be a better guitar player, but it really does seem too sensitive. I expected more clarity and depth but this is somewhat extreme on the former. Is this just the way it is with the Anthem? I have tried playing with the settings and the phase button, but it still seems a bit much. I'd be happy to provide an audio sample if need be to illustrate.

I hope I can help.
LR Baggs doesn't actually have authorized installers, just sellers, so installations will vary.

It sounds to me like the installation was not completely up to par. Adding a shim under the nut or the saddle is not a part of the standard installation, but some shops will do it if they think that the action needs improving.

The bright response is easily adjusted by the small white trim pot in the control housing. It is adjusted by using a jewelers sized, flathead screwdriver. That control adjusts the gain setting of the mic. Having it set too high will make the system sound harsh or bright, and having it set to low will make it sound flat or dark. There is definitely a sweet spot, so it will need to be adjusted to your personal taste. The installer doesn't always get the sweet spot dialed in.

I hope I can help.
LR Baggs doesn't actually have authorized installers, just sellers, so installations will vary.

It sounds to me like the installation was not completely up to par. Adding a shim under the nut or the saddle is not a part of the standard installation, but some shops will do it if they think that the action needs improving.

The bright response is easily adjusted by the small white trim pot in the control housing. It is adjusted by using a jewelers sized, flathead screwdriver. That control adjusts the gain setting of the mic. Having it set too high will make the system sound harsh or bright, and having it set to low will make it sound flat or dark. There is definitely a sweet spot, so it will need to be adjusted to your personal taste. The installer doesn't always get the sweet spot dialed in.

Thanks for the response, Caleb. I spoke to the luthier today and he said that putting a shim under the nut was because he felt the action was creating excess fret buzz after having also set the guitar up and trued the neck.

In any case, I'll try messing with that control and hopefully it should make a difference.